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Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Instead…

Reading: Job 20:19-29

Job 20:22 – “Even in their plenty, they are hard-pressed; all sorts of trouble comes on them.”

Today’s reading comes from the book of Job. Much of the content, including today’s, is set in the belief of the day: “God blessed the righteous and punishes the wicked.” In the understanding of the day, there were no exceptions. Zophar, today’s speaker, and Job’s wife and other friends – they cannot begin to fathom the possibility that Job is righteous. Job lost almost everything, therefore Job is a sinner.

In verse 19 Zophar is speaking of “they.” These are the wicked in the land. These are the sinners in the context of the day. These crush and abandon the poor, stealing their houses. These do not know contentment. The constant desire for more leaves their “belly” ever hungry. And what they’ve accumulated, Zophar says, “their riches will not endure.” He adds, “Even in their plenty, they are hard-pressed; all sorts of trouble comes on them.” Yes, there is no true peace or joy, no true contentment for the wicked of this world.

One day, though, Zophar tells us, God will fill the wicked’s bellies with “burning anger.” One day the wicked will enter the “complete darkness” that awaits them. Yes, one day heaven will “expose their guilt” because this is the fate of the wicked. All of this remains true for those who live for self, who trod over others and do not care, who take advantage of the powerless and the marginalized. There is a choice to be made. There is a better way: the way of Christ. Instead of accumulating, we can practice generosity. Instead of running over, we can stand with. Instead of seeking advantage, we can strive to level the playing field for the lowly and the downtrodden. Brothers and sisters in Christ, may it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, turn our hearts away from selfish thoughts, desires, and actions. Turn our hearts towards compassion, generosity, and justice. Use us to stem the tide of evil that plagues our land. Use us as light and love that shines into the darkness and hate. Amen.


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Equipped

Reading: Romans 15:14-20

Romans 15:14 – “You yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and are able to teach one another.”

Photo credit: Shane

At the start of chapter 15 Paul encourages the people in the church in Rome to be patient with and to build up one another. He encourages them to have the attitude of Christ and to welcome others as Jesus did. Paul wants to see their hope and joy overflow into the world through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we turn to verse 14, Paul is reminding the church that it is not just the pastor’s job to grow the church and the faith of those in the church and wider community.

In verse 14 we read, “You yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and are able to teach one another.” They have been shaped and formed into people that are equipped to minister to one another and to the world. They are ready to shape and form one another and any new disciples. He is reminding them “of what you already knew.” If they are to call themselves “Christians” then they need to model Christ. They too are to witness to their faith in God just as Jesus did. Paul has also set for them an example of what good ministry looks like. Bringing others to faith and growing their faith has happened “by what I’ve said and what I’ve done.” Paul has both encouraged and challenged the church, both built them up and called them out. And now the Roman church has been equipped to do the same. These words apply to us as well. As followers of Jesus Christ we have been equipped to help others know Jesus and to help one another grow in our faith.

Modeling Jesus with our words and actions is easy sometimes. Sharing joy and hope and love is not hard. The challenge comes when we are called to speak or act in situations where injustice or sin or some other wrong is taking place. To lift God’s will and way to the forefront and to challenge others to walk in this way can be hard and it can be costly. To fail to speak or to act will cause harm. Trusting in God, in the example of Jesus, and in the guidance of the Spirit, may we choose sacrifice and service to others.

Prayer: Lord God, there are times when it is easy to be a faithful witness in word or in deed. Encourage us to do so! And we also find ourselves in times and places when the Holy Spirit calls us to hold others accountable to who and what you call us all to be. Encourage and empower us to love you and neighbor even when it is hard and risky. All to your glory! Amen.


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Trust and Belief

Reading: Job 2:7-10

Job 2:7 – “The Adversary… struck Job with sores from the sole of his foot to the top of his head.”

We enter Job’s story at the point of his second “test.” In chapter 1 Job loses all his livestock and all of his sons and daughters. Job says, “The Lord has given; the Lord has taken; bless the Lord’s name.” Job is known as the wisest and most faithful man in all the world. The Adversary’s argument is this is because God has blessed Job. Yet when all of this was lost, Job remained faithful to God.

Test two comes next: “The Adversary… struck Job with sores from the sole of his foot to the top of his head.” Afflict Job himself, the logic goes, then he will curse God. Covered top to bottom in oozing sores, Job sits on an ash pile and scrapes his sores. Job’s wife sees his condition and says, “Are you still clinging to your integrity? Curse God, and die.” (Some translations read, “Bless God, and die.”) She believes Job is being assaulted by God. Her life has also completely fallen apart. Likely because Job has sinned – which he hasn’t. She thinks God is against Job. She’s saying, ‘Enough already!’

Job tells her she is being foolish. He is right with God and he knows it. He asks her, “Will we receive good from God but not also receive bad?” Put another way: ‘If God does reward and punish, we must accept it all, must we not?’ Job’s trust in God is sure. His suffering is unjust and undeserved. Yet God is God: all-powerful and all-knowing. Job does not understand why he is suffering. His understanding of God and how God normally works is the same as his wife’s: be good and be blessed by God, do evil and be cursed by God. And here he sits in a pile of ashes, covered in oozing sores. Job chooses trust and belief over his reality. In those moments when life makes no sense to us or to our faith, may we, as Job did, trust faith and belief in God.

Prayer: Lord God, at times we will find ourselves where Job did – life making no sense. What’s happening doesn’t fit our understanding of you or of how things “should” work. In these times and places of disorientation, draw us to you. Help us to trust and believe in your wisdom that is beyond ours, in your plan that goes far beyond our vision, and in your love that is much greater than we could ever imagine. Amen.


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Faithful Activity

Reading: James 1-2

James 2:14 – “My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it?”

Today we begin the book of James. James advocates an active, world-engaging, lived out faith. To live this way, while “scattered” to the world, is indeed a great challenge. These words from James that we read today and tomorrow very much apply to our lives and world right now. As “resident aliens” it is easier to write a check than it is to show up. It eases one’s conscience to say, “It’s the pastor’s job.” Yes, a time comes in life when it is not possible to physically show up. And, yes, some “jobs” are the pastor’s. But to shelter one’s faith from the world and vice versa, well, better read and study James.

Chapter 1 from James deals with standing firm in our faith. James begins by encouraging us to think of moments of testing as “occasions for joy.” These moments produce endurance, which yields a mature faith. In times of trial, we are invited to turn to God for wisdom. Trusting in God, we will receive. This is because God is good and faithful. Such a God will not tempt us. No, James says, that comes from within ourselves. God only gives good things. The pinnacle of this is the word of God. The word has the power to make us slow to anger, slow to speak, and quick to listen. It gives us power over our tongues. (More on that in chapter 3.)

In chapter 2 James encourages us to show faith, not favoritism. Favoritism is “evil-minded.” It is judgmental. It denies mercy. Instead, James advises, put your faith into action, like Abraham and Rahab. James asks, “My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it?” That is a great question. Yes, belief in God is good. But, we are reminded, “Even the demons believe this.” To wish well for a brother or sister who is naked or hungry without actually meeting their needs? James: “Faith is dead when it doesn’t result in faithful activity.”

Prayer: Lord God, it is so much easier to just fly under the radar, to just think someone else will do it. It is so much harder to stand firm, to stand up, to show up. Faith isn’t supposed to be easy or convenient, is it God? Empower, equip, and encourage us, O Lord, to be doers of the word and not merely hearers. Amen.


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Nevertheless

Reading: Ezekiel 12-16

Ezekiel 14:6 – “The LORD God proclaims: Come back! Turn away from your idols and from all your detestable practices. Turn away!”

Our reading begins with Ezekiel modeling the exile in a sign act. With people watching, he packs a bag and tunnels through the wall. Bag in tow, he heads out into the dark. Exile is coming. A few will survive to tell of their detestable practices. God then instructs Ezekiel to eat while trembling, to drink anxiously. During the siege, this will be Judah’s reality.

Some people question God’s timing. God says there will be no delay. The foolish prophets who proclaim peace and that God will be their wall – their lies will be exposed. The prophetesses who are misleading and entrapping people – God will rescue their victims. The focus then turns to those who are worshipping idols. God declares that if they come to God or to Ezekiel for prayers or for guidance, God will send them back to their idols. Yet God longs for Judah to repent. God says, The LORD God proclaims: Come back! Turn away from your idols and from all your detestable practices. Turn away!”

Noah, Daniel, and Job figuratively enter the story in chapter 14. They alone would be saved if wild animals or war or plague or famine were sent by God. These icons of the faith and virtue couldn’t even save their sons or daughters. They could save only themselves. God declares that all four tragedies are coming. Few will survive. Jerusalem is then compared to a vine. It is useful only for burning.

Chapter 16 details Jerusalem’s “detestable practices.” God recalls saving her when she was abandoned and naked. God fed and clothed and cared for her. She grew up and became very beautiful. She then prostituted herself with “all comers” – Egypt then Assyria then Babylon. Jerusalem was worse than Samaria and Sodom – so detestable that they looked righteous by comparison. Yet, in verse 60, we read, “Nevertheless…” God will one day reestablish the covenant. God will forgive their sins. Judah will then know that the Lord is God.

Prayer: Lord God, it was important for Judah to let go of false hope and to hear a call to repentance. It is important for us to be reminded that you are the only hope – our only hope, the only giver of mercy. We too will face judgment. Lead us to walk in covenant relationship with you, O Lord. Amen.


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That Is Enough

Readings: Job 38 through Job 42

‭Job 40:8 – “Would you question my justice, deem me guilty so you can be innocent?”

God speaks from the whirlwind. There is power and might in God’s voice. Right away Job is put on notice: get ready, God has some questions for you. God then asks a series of questions. Was Job there when God laid the earth’s foundations? Can Job command the morning to come? Has Job surveyed the earth’s expanses? Can Job tame the wild donkey or the ostrich? Can Job make the hawk fly? No, no, no, no, and no! These questions humble Job and make him aware of God’s vastness and of God’s control over all things.

God then asks “God’s instructor” to correct anything needing correction. Job says, “Look, I’m of little worth.” He spoke before but will not do so now. God then asks, “Would you question my justice, deem me guilty so you can be innocent?” God challenges Job to humble the proud and to trample the wicked. Go ahead Job, says God, “Then I, even I, will praise you.” Job has no response.

To further help Job (and friends – they’re still there) understand the scale or immensity of God, God speaks of Behemoth and Leviathan – two dangerous and terrifying mythological creatures. Even these were created by God and are within God’s control. Yes, the universe is much larger and more wondrous than Job (or friends) can fathom.

In chapter 42 Job speaks. Job understands that God is all-powerful and is fully in control of all things. Job is humbled, having spoken of things he did not really understand. And Job knows God in a new way: in his heart, not just in his head. Job relents to God’s power and might. There is no answer to why he suffered. Job now knows God in his heart. And that is enough. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, power and might are yours! All glory and praise and honor to you, O God! You know the answers inside out. We can barely formulate a few questions. Reign over our lives and our world. Reign in our hearts, O God. Amen.


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Cycle 1

Readings: Job 6, – Job 14

Job 11:7 – “Can you find the secret of God or find the extent of the Almighty?”

Today’s readings complete the first cycle of Job’s conversations (arguments?) with his three “friends.” This pattern occurs two more times. In chapters 6-7 Job speaks. He longs for his suffering to end. He again reasserts his innocence. Job accuses his friends of disloyalty and then he asks them to help him understand his situation. And then he asks to be left alone. These are thoughts and feelings that we’ve all had in times of suffering.

Bildad responds by inviting Job to look to the past. There Job will see a God of justice and faithfulness. He advises Job to turn to God, to confess and repent, and then God will “fill your mouth with joy.” Job counters by asking if anyone can truly be innocent before God. Even though no one can contend with God’s power, Job still wants a contest (or trial) with the God who “destroys the blameless and the sinners.” Quite an accusation! But in a moment of realization, Job speaks of a mediator – one who could stand impartially between God and Job. Then Job’s case could be heard. As chapter 10 closes, a darkness descends. Job longs for death, even wishes he wasn’t even born.

Zophar responds, reminding Job of God’s wisdom that is far beyond Job’s understanding – but within Zophar’s! Oh that Job would just confess and repent. Then Job could “lift up your face without blemish.” Job responds by acknowledging God’s superiority but quickly reminds Zophar that he is not superior to Job. He again claims his innocence and longs to just speak with God. His life is now nothing. What does he have to lose?

In chapter 14 Job bookends a hopeful thought with the realities of life. We bloom and then whither like a flower. Life is too short. In verse 13 Job speaks a hopeful but impossible thought: if God would just place him in Sheol until God’s anger passed. Then God could restore Job. Cycle two begins tomorrow!

Prayer: Lord God, what swings of emotion and thought. What ups and downs as Job and his friends try and make sense of all this suffering. We too wrestle with these things. We too get caught up in our struggles and trials. When we do, Lord, pull us back to the reality of your sure and steadfast love. Amen.


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One Problem

Readings: Job 1, Job 2, Job 3, Job 4, Job 5

Job 1:21 – “The LORD has given; the LORD has taken; bless the LORD’s name.”

Photo credit: Marek Pospisil

We begin Job today. Whereas in Esther there was a threat of suffering that prompted action, in Job the suffering comes – in one huge jolt. Both Esther and Job “argue” against the universally held belief of the time: obey God and be blessed, disobey God and be punished.

As Job begins the narrator makes a very important statement for us to hold to as we read this book: Job is honest and full of integrity; he fears God and avoids evil. Job is so righteous, in fact, he makes sacrifices just in case his children have sinned. Because Job is righteous, in ancient thoughts, he should not suffer. But suffer he does! At the hands of the Adversary, Job loses all his livestock, his servants, and all 10 children. This would lead a lesser man to curse God. Not Job. He says, “The LORD has given; the LORD has taken; bless the LORD’s name.” Job too operates, at least for now, under the blessing and punishment paradigm.

To further test Job’s faith the Adversary receives permission to afflict Job’s health. Severe sores cover his whole body. Job’s wife – who has also experienced this rush of loss and who knows herself to be innocent of sin – encourages Job to just curse God and die. Why fight it? But Job responds much the same way: how can one accept good from God but not bad from God as well? Again the paradigm.

Job’s three friends arrive. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar sit with Job for seven days. They too look at Job in his present state and assume that he is a great sinner. Why else would this happen to him? Job speaks first, rueing the day he was born. In the religious thinking of the day, there was no concept yet of an afterlife. The greatest gift of God was life itself. Job wishes that he had never received this gift. This is an indication of Job’s struggle to understand what is happening to him.

Eliphaz responds. He sees Job as a sinner who needs to repent. This drives all that he says. If one “plows sin” then one “sows trouble.” He encourages Job to put his case to God. He reminds Job that God wants to forgive and will bind up and heal. One problem: Job is sinless. What case can he possibly bring before God?

Prayer: Lord God, what wrestling we begin today! Suffering and loss continue to be a part of our lives and our world. Questions continue to abound! As we walk with Job, his friends, with you, help us to gain understanding and insight into who you really are: not the cause but the one who walks with us. Amen.


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Old and Blessed

Reading: Job 42: 10-17

Verse 17: “And so he died, old and full of years.”

As we conclude our time in Job it seems we’ve come full circle. By the end of our reading, Job’s fortunes and family have been restored in abundance. In verse twelve we read, “The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first.” On the surface this is true. But to dig a little deeper reveals that much has changed.

Job is very different than when this journey began. As I wrote about yesterday, the eye of Job’s heart now sees God for who God is. The God that he thought he knew in his mind has become fully present in his heart. The pain and grief that Job walked through may have subsided a bit but the hurt will always be there. The love for his first children will not be replaced by his new children. For example, when Jemimah reminds him of one of his daughters who died, tears will flow and his heart will ache. Job does move forward with his life, one very blessed by God, but he does so with deep scars. Job himself has been changed too. He now more fully understands God and the love of God for all parts of creation – from the ravens God feeds to his friends that God rebukes in verses 7-9.

Modeling the love of God that Job himself now fully knows, he prays for his friends. Previous to his time of suffering this may have been too much to ask of Job’s surface level faith. The faith that only resided in his mind and that was driven by a fear of punishment would have struggled to pray for these men who added to his suffering. The Job whose heart sees the full scope of God’s love and mercy easily prays for these friends. It is a love and mercy that Job wants them to know as well. So Job ministers to his friends. This is a much different Job than the one who made his first set of children offer sacrifices for their possible bad behavior. Job now offers his friends forgiveness and a new relationship with God from a place of love, not fear. Walking with God in a loving and intimate relationship, our story concludes with these words: “And so he died, old and full of years.” Old and full of years. Old and blessed because of a personal relationship with God. May it be so for you and for me!

Prayer: Lord God, it’s awesome that Job was totally restored and then some. The true blessing was the personal and intimate relationship with you. Possessions, titles, money, popularity – all nice but none are guarantees of a good life. A life that is good and pleasing to you is one that is full of love, peace, hope, joy, grace, forgiveness, kindness, mercy, contentment… Guide me to these treasures, O Lord. Amen.


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Deeper, Stronger

Reading: Job 42: 1-6

Verse 5: “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes see you.”

Job has lived a righteous and upright life. God allowed Satan to test Job’s faith. He remained faithful. Job’s wife and friends add to his suffering with accusations and condemnations. Job longs to have an audience with God, to state his case. God responds to Job in a long speech that leaves Job humbled and with a new understanding of God. Today we read Job’s response.

Job begins by acknowledging that God “can do all things” and that “no plan of yours can be thwarted.” Job has taken in the immensity of God’s power and the depth of God’s creative might. In the complexity of the created world and in the detailed order of animal life, God has done some amazing and awesome work. God speaks of the behemoth and the leviathan – two creatures with great power that are feared by humanity. These creatures are far outside of man’s control but well within God’s. God asks, “Can you make a pet of him?” No, God, certainly not. In response Job says, “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me.” Job recognizes his place in God’s world. Along with all of humanity, Job realized that he was not the center of all things.

Job has been changed by this encounter with God. In reality Job knew God and followed God’s ways at least as well as any other human being on the earth. God lifted him up to Satan as an example of faith. But as God spoke out of the whirlwind, Job came to know God in a deeper and more intimate way. In verse five Job declares, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes see you.” Job had worshiped and followed a God that he thought was powerful, awesome, worthy of his praise. Now Job sees God in a clearer way. Job now knows that God is all these things and so much more. His connection to God is now so much deeper, so much more profound, so much stronger. Job’s faith in God has grown. As we delve into the word, as we allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide our lives, as we strive to follow Jesus’ example, our faith will grow deeper, the connection will become stronger. May it be so as we walk closely with the Lord our God day by day.

Prayer: Lord God, like Job, the more I know you, the longer I walk with you, the more awed and amazed I become. My faith journey has been filled with moments when I’ve come to know you more intimately, to love you more deeply, to praise you more sincerely. Continue to journey with me, ever allowing my eyes and heart to see and know you more clearly. Amen.